Paul Coates -- Confidential File, February 6, 1959

CONFIDENTIAL FILE

Good Scout's Bid Makes Cub Happy

It's my final one, I hope, on a kid named Butch Harris, who a few
months ago got his first lesson in how little some big people act.

Nine-year-old Butch was refused membership in Cub Pack 298, here in L.A., because he is a Negro.

The decision was made by several parents of pack members that their children "weren't ready to integrate."

For the past weeks, certain adult leaders of the pack refused to
compromise their stand, in spite of efforts by both the Boy Scouts and
the sponsoring Kiwanis Club to settle the matter quietly and peacefully.

But it seemed that the harder the Boy Scout organization worked to
bring about understanding, the more determined the opposition became.

One parent who said he saw no reason why Butch shouldn't be allowed in
the pack suddenly found himself minus any number of "friends" he'd
known for years.

The man's wife began getting the "cold" treatment from neighbors.

The situation got loud and messy. Unbelievably messy. After listening
to all they could stand, a few parents gave up, pulling their sons out
of the pack.

The "segregation" element became louder, more adamant.

Then, a couple weeks ago, local Scout authorities realized that the
situation was hopeless. They issued their ultimatum: Make 298 an open
pack or lose your charter.

Mass resignations followed.

Today, Pack 298 has three members. Butch is one of them. The other two are also Negro boys.

But it's an open pack. A few parents of former members have already
indicated that they're ready to put their boys back into uniform. The
sponsoring Kiwanis group is confident that 298 will build up again into
a fine organization.

I hope so, and I'm not the only one.

Personal Letter to Butch

A letter arrived at Butch Harris' house this week from another of
his many friends. It was written on state of California stationery. It
read:

"Dear Butch:

"By the time you receive this letter I trust you will be a fine Cub Scout.

"You know, Butch, my wife and I have mentioned several times how very
much we would like to have you see the Capitol of our wonderful state
of California.

"This is a little invitation to you to visit us for a day during your
spring vacation. You talk this over with your mother and father and if
they agree to let you come all the way to Sacramento, we will take care
of your transportation.

"Both
my wife and I think that it would be nice for a young man who will no
doubt become an outstanding Boy Scout some day to see your state
officeholders -- the men who are elected to office -- work.